Red Bull Advisor Addresses 2025 Title Picture in Statement on Christian Horner
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Red Bull Racing senior advisor Helmut Marko has opened up about the team's outlook on the 2025 Drivers' Championship in his statement about former CEO and team principal Christian Horner.
Red Bull parted ways with Horner on Wednesday with immediate effect, replacing him with Racing Bulls CEO Laurent Mekies. However, the outfit has not mentioned the reason for its decision to oust Horner after a partnership of 20 years.
His departure comes amid Red Bull's struggles on the racetrack. For the first time in the ground effect era, which began in 2022, Max Verstappen is not leading the championship. In addition, the team began to experience balance problems on its title contender last year following the exit of chief technology officer Adrian Newey.
With Verstappen placed third in the 2025 drivers' standings, Red Bull continues to face challenges with its car. His teammate Yuki Tsunoda has also been struggling to adapt to the RB21 following his promotion early this year from Racing Bulls.
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit...
Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner and Oracle Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko look on in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Corniche Circuit on March 09, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. MoreAddressing the achievements celebrated with Horner, Marko admitted that the team will continue to fight for the championship until it is out of contention. He said:
"Christian and I have worked together very successfully for over 20 years – both in Formula 1 and in Formula 3000.
"I would like to sincerely thank Christian for that. During this time, we were able to celebrate an incredible number of outstanding achievements.
"We helped develop two World Drivers' Champions and several Grand Prix winners. That has always been – and still is – the Red Bull way.
"As for the current sporting situation: there are still 12 races to go, and we will continue to fight for the Drivers' Championship as long as it's mathematically possible."
Horner posted a message on Instagram after his exit, revealing how proud he was of what his team achieved under his leadership. Newsweek Sports reported:
"After an incredible journey of twenty years together, it is with a heavy heart that today I say goodbye to the Team I have absolutely loved. Every one of you, the amazing people at the factory, have been the heart and soul of everything that we have achieved. Win and lose, every step of the way, we have stood by each other as one and I will never forget that. It's been a privilege being part of and leading this epic Team and I am so proud of our collective accomplishments and you all.
"Thanks to the amazing partners and fans who enabled us to go racing. Your support has helped grow the team from its humble beginnings to an F1 powerhouse that laid claim to 6 Constructors Championships and 8 Drivers Championships.
"Equally, thank you to our rivals, with whom there would be no racing at all. You've pushed us, challenged us, and enabled us to achieve accolades we never dreamed possible. The competition has made every victory sweeter and every setback an opportunity to develop and grow.
"Formula 1 is a sport built on relentless ambition, passion, and respect. The rivalries have been fierce, but the mutual drive to innovate and raise the bar is what has made this journey so special.
"It's been an honour to be part of this incredible era of motorsport. I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved and also with what's in the pipeline for 2026 - and huge respect for everyone who's made F1 the pinnacle it is today. Thank You."
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